Herniated Disc - I have cervical degenerative disc disease on C5 and no disc at all in C6. In C6 the

... stuff has come out on both sides. I went to see an orthopaedic surgeon who said I have no option but to have surgery. He then just emailed me the procedure and wanted an answer on the next appointment. I done my own research not only on him but the surgery and I decided against it. On my next appointment I sat down and told him no and he slammed my case closed and said don't come back until you can no longer use your hands. I was very upset. I am on a concoction of medication but over the last few weeks the pain is getting unbearable to the point I can't get comfortable. I don't know what to do. My doctor has referred me to the pain clinic and I'm hoping to have some more potent pain relief. Currently I am on Co-Codamol and pre-Gabalin. Can the pain get worse, am I going to end up wheelchair bound?Many thanks for any answers given

Responses (2)

I have just gone this week from normal and just nodding off watching TV, have severely compressed nerves at intervals from C6 to T1 (rather than just the C6-C7 interval) and have lost most of the use of my left arm in 100 milliseconds. An old motorbike crash is the culprit. But one little nod broke the camel's back.

Don't be foolish; your surgeon spent more than 8 years becoming an expert. This time he is exactly right.

I am really sorry to see this, must be so so scary for you. I get what your saying but with only 50% chance of coming out of surgery unscaved I don't want to risk it. That might make me look silly but the thought of full paralysis scares the hell out of me. All I want is to be able to cope with what I have.Are there anything that can be done for you?

I had two surgeries on my back and one on my neck after many many years of trying everything you can think of and eventually getting hooked in Tylenol 3. The Dr said do you want to remember your daughter growing up or be in severe pain and in a fog. I trusted him and it's been 10 yrs with several fusions with no pain. Go for it. There is someone who wants to help you and you can't go on.